Shelby County Indiana Genealogy, History

Shelby County, Indiana
Historical Articles
Towns and Populated Areas

Fairland

Township 13N, Range 6E, Sec 9, 10, 15, 16

The Shelbyville Repubican
Monday November 17, 1947
Page 3 column 2
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YOUR TOWN — OF FAIRLAND
By Hortense Montgomery
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From the account of Fairland as given by Mr. Chadwick in 1909 one would conclude that it was quite a metropolis; it is the largest town in Brandywine township and for a village it has been unusually active, its citizens among the county’s industry has been prosperous and most distinguished.
It is located on the I.C. and St. L. railroad and is the terminus of the F.F. and M.R.R. In an excellent agriculture country it has the facilities for shipping and trading. At the above date it had eight stores, three grain warehouses, a hotel, depot and post office. It is the only known town in Brandywine township shown on the map but it is not the first settlement, but that is another story. Fairland was not organized until October 21, 1852, and so does not the rank as one of the very first settlements of the county.
There were three early additions made to the village. They were known as Daniel Bradley’s, made near 1859; Greenville S. Harrell’s, in 1866, and Richard and McQuinton’s in July, 1872. The most modern addition is that part in the north and west part of the town and known as New Town. This is a very attractive part of the village and has a number of nice homes and landscaped lawns. An interesting small triangle in the center of the business section is known as "No Man’s Land" and it is really that, for no one claims it and there is no deed recorded for it.
We found we knew very little about Fairland until one afternoon Mrs. George C. Stubbs took us and Mrs. Bessie Shelk to tour the town and to visit Mrs. Belle Carey, all of them Fairlanders. Mrs. Shelk spent her early childhood there and is a member of the Sedgwick family, pioneers of that community. Mrs. Stubbs and Mrs. Carey were natives and we would need a book to tell us all the interesting anecdotes discussed by the three. Mrs. Carey and Mrs. Stubbs (Martha Ray) were both teachers; we found they had great times in their early days.
Mrs. Carey first reminded us that Fairland became to be known as Saints’ Rest, the title which it received from a column contributed to the Shelbyville Democrat by "Gid" the pen name of T. B. Carey, who contributed this clever column for a number of years and which was enjoyed by everyone. Mr. Carey was known as one of the cleverest newspaper writers of this section of Indiana. He was, too, a man whose memory is revered as a soldier in the Civil War where he served for four years with distinction. To his friends he was known as Bent Carey; his death occurred October 7, 1919, at the age of eighty.
Fairland at one time published a newspaper called "The Bulletin." Mrs. Carey named George S. Jones as the editor but Mr. Chadwick named Harry Freeman. Perhaps Freeman was the first editor and was followed by Mr. Jones.
The name of Odell figures prominently in the village history; there were three brothers, Jeremiah, Joseph and Isaac—names which will tell you something about the family. While the railroad was being built, Isaac sold merchandise through the county and later established the Fairland Banking House. Later he studied and practiced law and became known as the Prince of Pettyfoggers because he could confuse the lawyers supposed to be more prominent than he. Jeremiah Odell was mentioned as one of those who had improved and handsomed farms. Joseph D. Odell and James Lacy are named as eminent merchants and grain dealers; William Judkins, Whalon Gibson and William B. Elder as prominent business men in 1900. About Civil War times Lewis Ray, Mrs. Stubbs’ father, was one who had a general store; Mr. Roy Ray, of the Shelbyville H. S. staff, belongs to the Fairland clan of Rays. Later than Mr. Ray the merchants of J. S. Carson and James Parkhurst were owners and managers of general stores. The Rev. Sedgwick was one of the esteemed citizens and was the father of John R. Sedgwick, who held a number of county official positions.
For a time Fairland got a bit cocky and coined the phrase "All roads lead to Fairland." Many of the homes are pioneer homes, some of them still "as was" in their native state, and some "as is," improved to be good-looking modern homes. One of the oldest and a landmark is a two story brick where we had visited when it was the Mace Thompson homestead. An old building, for some reason called The Longbranch, was for some time the center in old days from which all lines branched out.
The village now has a large canning factory known as The Fairland Canning Factory, a busy concern during canning seasons. It provides work for many of the towns’s citizens.
Fairland has three churches—Christian, Baptist and Methodist. The First Methodist building was used for a theater after the present building was built and some very good traveling troupes came to the village to give their plays. Fairland has no saloon; for a time there were three, but when the last one applied for a renewal of its license Dr. Tull and his wife with others got up a remonstrance and there has been no saloon since.
The consolidated school of Brandywine township is located in Fairland. A very good brick building which had been in use before the consolidated schools came in has been remodeled and enlarged with the result it is one of the most modern and handsomest school buildings in the county.
Fairland had its railroad station, a post office, and independent telephone exchange and a number of good stores and small markets. While it had no newspaper it does have a bank which does a substantial banking business. Its officers are: President, Hayes McFadden; cashier, L. E. Goodrich; vice president and assistant cashier, Charles R. Hughes. The board of directors are: Mr. McFadden, Mr. Goodrich, Mr. Hughes, Edgar H. Barger and Harry H. Holton.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelby Democrat
November 15, 1923
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FAIRLAND NEWS ITEMS
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(By Special Correspondent) ---------- Mrs. Lucinda Barth of Mattoon, Ill., and Mrs. Rosch, of Huntington, Ind., are the guests of their sister, Mrs. Bailey, of our little village.
The death of Riley Bishop, which occurred at Marion hospital, Marion, Ind., has cast a gloom over our little village, for Riley was one of our best citizens.
John Barrett is slowly recovering from his recent illness and ha returned to his own home.
Mr. and Mrs. August Baker were Saturday shoppers in Shelbyville.
The Rev. Mr. Riser, Baptist minister, of this place, spoke to a full house Sunday evening.
Omer Miller and family were Sunday guests of Mrs. Matt Hall and daughter Zora.
Robert Hughes is reported as not so well at this writing.
Luther Able will take charge of the posoffice Tuesday, following the resignation of A. C. Mase. [Perhaps Mane ?-pmf]
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Murry were Saturday shopper[sic] in Shelbyville.
John Tomlinson still remains in a serious condition at his home, west of Fairland.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
March 12, 1912
Page 1 column 7
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NEWS FROM SAINTS' REST.
---------- J. W. Parkhurst is repairing and making other added improvements to the interior of his palatial home. Captain Web Bradley is the artist in charge.
Will Pond is spending the winter with us and Fairland feels honored by his citizenship. Everybody in Shelby county knows "Billy" Pond, a retired representative farmer and a gentleman who enjoys the confidence and esteem of his fellows. Long may he "wave."
"Uncle" John Boles now wears the belt as the champion hog raiser of Brandywine township. Reference, Charles Sindlinger.
James M. Allen, one of Waldron's wide awake business men, was a business caller here Wednesday. Our latch-strings will hang outward for Mr. Allen whenever he favors us with his presence.
Mrs. Minnie Trout, our popular milliner, will have a spring opening of millinery stock on March 22-30, and April 1. Mrs. Trout thru patient industry, courteous treatment and square dealing, has built up a splendid trade in her art, and is deserving of any favors the public may bestow.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

[There are paragraphs preceding these - PMF]
In the month of April, 1909, the business interests of Fairland were represented as follows:
The Fairland National bank, that is mentioned in this subject of banks of the county, elsewhere in this volume;
hotel, known as the Park, operated by R. Alexander;
hardware dealers, E. V. Harrell and H. T. Graham;
farm implements, Immanuel Fraker & Company, R. T. Smith & Brother, W. C. Hoop;
general merchandise, R. T. Smith & Company, C. T. Gephart & Sons, I. T. Harrell, M. Alexander and George Gephart;
grain elevators, N. E. Williams & Company, Nading Grain and Milling Company;
livery barn, Charles Carey;
meat markets, George H. Gephart, Jefferson Goodrich;
lumber dealer, the Fairland Lumber Company;
coal dealers, Fairland Lumber Company, R.T. Smith, and Fraker & Company;
cement walks, G.V. Bass and C. B. Bray;
History of Shelby County, Indiana, Edw. H. Chadwick, 1909.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming.

The Shelbyville Democrat
Monday, September 29, 1907
===================
A LETTER FROM THE
LONG-LOST PROPHET
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Veteran Correspondent of Fairland,
After Enjoying a Rest, Sends in Interesting Letter to Democrat
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Fairbanks is still the head of the icicle trust.
Now, really, did your uncle Sid Conger know it was loaded?
J. W. John has sold his farm in Sugar Creek township to John Postman for $100 per acre.
Charles Arnold, formerly of this county, but now of Missouri, is visiting friends in this county.
Hord Gordon and his good wife, of Marion township, spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. George Gephart.
Mr. and Mrs. Lon Bowman, sr., of VanBuren township, attended the birthday party given for William Bassett, of Shelbyville, Sunday.
R. F. Hughes, who is now enjoying a thirty days vacation, will return to his duties as immigrant inspector October 1 in the Lone Star state.
Mesdames D. W. Bradley and Audie Lee were shopping in Shelbyville, Wednesday, and calling on friends in the handsome city on the "Blue."
Mrs. T. B. Carey has been quite ill from an attack of lumbago and violent cold, contracted while on a recent visit to relatives in Indianapolis.
Supt. Frank Rule has completed the regraveling of the pikes in his district and still wears the belt as the champion road builder of the best county on earth.
Frank Drake was a business visitor here last week and took time to renew old friendships. Frank wears the honors of a benedict with that easy grace that characterizes a pioneer husband.
C. T. Gephart will abandon farming and have a sale or his farming effects in the spring and engage in mercantile pursuits. Mr. Gephart is well equipped for a business man and the writer wishes him success in his new venture.
Harve Arnold, since his leasing of the Park hotel here, will remove his restaurant and the I. & C. ticket office, of which he is agent, to the hotel building where better facilities will be afforded the traveling public and under one roof and management.
Isaac Shaw, brother of Landon Shaw, of Sugar Creek township, and formerly of the county, but now residing in northwestern Missouri, is visiting relatives here and will attend the reunion of his old command, the 70th regiment at Franklin, Tuesday.
The writer had the pleasure of a warm hand-grasp of one of Shelbyville's good matrons recently in the person of Mrs. James Morrison, sr., who was visiting at the homes of Mrs. Angeline Hoop and Mrs. Emma Means. Mrs. Morrison is one of the good old mothers whom all delight to honor.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Tuesday, February 20, 1906
Page 1
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FAIRLAND'S HAPPENINGS
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"Gid" Tells What Is Going on in the Vicinity of Saints' Rest
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WEEKLY BUDGET FULL OF INTERESTING ITEMS
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SUGGESTS NAME OF S. B. MORRIS
FOR NEXT COMMANDER OF INDIANA G. A. R.
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UPHOLDS THE STARRY BANNER
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The revival meetings at the Baptist church closed Friday evening.
Mrs. J. A. Perry and daughter, Miss Ruby, were visitors at Indianapolis, Monday.
Walter Moore and mother were the guests of Mrs. Viola Skillman Thursday and Friday.
Esta Bass is so proud of the arrival of that new girl that he was seen taking off his hat to his shadow.
The genial attorney, John Tindall, the tall hickory of the historic "Blue," was transacting business here last week.
Talk about good luck. Good luck is simply the daughter of old man Dilligence, whose wife's maiden name was Miss Honesty.
The remains of the late William Kirkwood were interred in the Fairland cemetery Saturday. James Hoop was in charge.
The sale of John F. Mallory occurred on the 27th inst. Mr. Mallory has purchased the restaurant of Harry Brandon and will take charge on March 1st.
He is a brave man who comes home tired and hungry and bridles his tongue when he finds the cook gone to a picnic and his wife away at a card party.
The burial of Mrs. Elizabeth Wharton took place last Friday in the town cemetery. The officiating....
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(Continued from First Page).
...teresting little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Tucker, at her home on last Saturday, in kind remembrance of the latter's sixth anniversary of her birth. The little lady was the recipient of many handsome presents with best wishes added from the hands of her associates and guests, together with best wishes for many future returns of the happy occasion.
Capt. Frank W. Fagel, of Frank Talbert Camp, No. 85, Sons of Veterans, is making a determined effort to recruit his camp. Every son of a veteran in the county should become a member of Talbert Camp, for upon their shoulder will soon fall the mantle of their fathers and the responsibility and patriotic duty of preserving the name and honor of those who stood for the flag and nation in the time of its peril.
The following ex-soldiers have made application for membership in Dumont Post No. 18, G. A. R., from this place: John Bailey, R. N. Smith, William Walker, James Hoop, Lieut. J. M. Teeple, George Miller and William F. Steward. The following ladies and wives of ex-soldiers will join the W. R. C. organization: Mrs. Anna B. Walker, Mrs. J. M. Teeple, Mrs. James Hoop, Mrs. G. W. Markland, Mrs. George Miller and Mrs. T. B. Carey.
Bishop Turner, of Georgia, doesn't like the flag and denounces the fair emblem as a "polluted rag." Well, I recall the fact that down in the bishop's neighborhood about forty-five years ago there developed a feeling unfriendly to our starry banner, but I notice Old Glory still proudly flaps and is doing business at the same old stand, despite the bishop's protestations. I would advise that the reverend gentleman seek a home in the Russian empire among the anarchists of the old world and be sure to die there.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming, Jun 2005

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, January 25, 1906
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FAIRLAND'S NEWS BUDGET
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"Gid, The Prophet, Sends in His Weekly Quota of Local Happenings.
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The prayer of the coal dealer still remaineth unheard.
George B. Harrell, the popular mayor of Teardown, was in town Wednesday, all smiles and good cheer.
Harry Brandon is thinking of selling out his restaurant and engage in farming in the coming spring.
The man who can smile after being defeated in a political contest, is the fellow that should have been successful.
At this writing David Francis was thought to some better, but his friends express grave doubts as to his recovery.
To the wise prognosticator who predicted an unusually cold winter, write in your diary: "Jan. 20, 1906, temperature 70.
Ex-Trustee T. L. Major and his friend, Henry Moore, of "Old Morat," passed through here Thursday en route to Shelbyville.
Albert Luther is making garden, selling off his ice at cost and getting ready to plant corn(?). No charges, Bert for this notice. [The question mark is original, not added by me.-pmf]
That chaplain of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives seems to have the pedigrees of its members in book form and properly indexed.
John Sommerville, of Edinburg, Scotland, and Mrs. Logan, were the recent guests of the latter's sister, Mrs. P. H. Imel, of Sugar Creek township.
Mrs. Mariah Litsenberger of Kansas and Walter Moore and his good mother of Shelbyville were the welcome guests of Mrs. Viola Skillman, Saturday.
J. J. Gorman, representing Libby, McNeil and Libby of Chicago, is here contracting for tomatoes and pickes for their plant on Cherry street here.
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Gephart and Mrs. Harry Drake and baby spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Goodrich of Brookfield, and spent an enjoyable day.
The revival meetings at Brandywine have come to a close. Similar services will be held at Center soon, which well end the revival services in this circuit for the winter.
Dr. Boone of Boggstown was here Saturday shaking hands with this many friends. The Doctor enjoys a ....
[Several paragraphs are missing in my copy. - pmf]
Miss Ruth Roberts entertained a number of her young friends recently at her home on west Jackson street, in honor of her sixteenth birthday anniversary. She was kindly assisted by Miss Ethel Baldwin of this place and Miss Estella Roberts of Shelbyville. Music and dancing and other innocent amusements were marked features of the happy occasion. Dainty refreshments were served, concluding the merry event with best wishes of the happy throng for their young hostess and charming associate.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, August 2, 1900
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FAIRLANDERS
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Defeat the Shelbyville Grays Sun-
day Afternoon
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At the Ball Park on the East Side of the
City. The Score Stood 13 to 12 in Favor
of the Visitors Who Would Have Been
Devoured Had Williamson Pitched.
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About two hundred and fifty people witnessed the game of baseball between Fairland and the Shelbyville Grays, at the new park east of the city Sunday afternoon, which resulted in a victory for Fairland by a score of 13 to 12. Scott Ray, of Fairland, and Stites, of this city, did the twirling for the visitors with Tolin behind the bat. Harry Gray was on the slab for the home boys and was a little wild. In the sixth inning, with the score 12 to 5 in Fairland's favor Williamson went in to relieve Gray, but owing to an agreement made before the game that neither Williamson or 'Bert Gray would do the twirling, he was not permitted to do so and Harry Gray finiahed the game. "Daddy" settled down and pitched good ball, no more runs being scored by the visitors until the last half of the ninth when a double and a fly to center, which should have been an easy out, brought in the winning run. The grounds, owing to the rain at noon, were in poor condition, and both teams made several errors, those of the Grays, however, were the more costly, letting in several runs. Fast double plays were made by Duffy, B. Gray and Comstock, and Williamson, B. Gray and Comstock. Miller of the Fairland's, and Duffy and B. Gray, of the home team, made pretty catches of line drives. The Grays are made up of good ball players and with a little more practice will be able to hold their own with all amateur teams. The following are the names of the Grays and their positions: J. Briggs, catcher; H. Gray, pitcher and third base; Comstock, first base; B. Gray, second base and pitcher; Williamson, third base and pitcher; Duffy, short stop; M. Gray, right field; W. Briggs, center field and Schafer, left field.
Manager Frank Miller of the Grays is well pleased with the first game and will make an effort to get the Rushville team here next Sunday.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Saturday, July 29, 1899
Page 1
----------------------
HOWERY'S CORNER
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Special Correspondence to the Democrat.
HOWERY'S CORNER, July 28.
------------
Master Dale Huffman and his little sister, Fern, are visiting their sister, Mrs. Arthur Swails, of Chicago.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Harrell are caring for a new daughter, born July 24th.
Several from this vicinity went to Greenfield Thursday to hear Bryan.
Henry Pollard bid his parents and other relatives farewell last Thursday and started for the Philippines, but Saturday he was back home without any bullet holes in his hat.
Pet Drake, see obituary.
As July 25th was the sixty-seventh anniversary of the birth of Mrs. Nancy Morris, her children concluded to surprise her, which they did completely. From their well filled baskets they prepared a sumptuous dinner of which all partook. It was a family reunion, as of the thrity-two person present only two were not near relatives. Those present were J. E. Rinehart and family, Amos Carmony and family, Morton Morris and family, Charlie Morris and family, Frank Morris and family and Mrs. Calvin Bass and family. After spending a pleasant day they all separated, hoping they might all meet on several more like occasions.
AUNT SALLIE.
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Republican
Friday, January 27, 1899
Page 1
Vol XXXII, Shelbyville, Indiana
-------oOo-------
FAIRLAND.
----------
Kerl Westhafer, a photographer of Indianapolis, spent Sunday here visiting his parents.
Mrs. Anna McCool, of Greenwood, is visiting her friend, Miss Lizzie Westhafer, this week.
The Methodist folks will begin special meetings at this place next Sunday morning; all are invited.
Miss Jennie Cornforth, west of town, who has been very low for some time past, is barely alive, her death being hourly expected.
Rev. Roberts, of Irvington, who represents the Indiana Christian, the State paper of the Christian church, delivered a sermon here Tuesday night.
The telegram Mrs. Miller received in regard to her mother being dead, was a slight mistake. The old lady is still living but they say she can not recover.
Mrs. C. B. McLean, widow of Rev. T. B. McLean, is recruiting her health with the family of Rev. Westhafer after nursing her friend, Mrs. John Goodwin.
Fred Whiteneck and Fares Tingle, of Greenwood, spent a few hours in Fairland while on their way to attend the second annual meeting of the Odd Fellows in Shelbyville.
J. R. Tomlinson says it was not him but L. G. Benedict who went into the saloon to buy cabbage, and from the way they accuse each other the probabilities are that it was both of them.
OLD ZIP.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Friday, October 21, 1898
Page 1
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CORRESPONDENCE.
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FAIRLAND.
----------
Mrs. N. A. Giltner visited friends at Needham Sunday.
Mrs. Ab Fields, who has been quite ill for some time, is reported better.
Miss Kettenbaugh, of Indianapolis, visited Mrs. O. M. Thompson last week.
Mrs. Phillip Gephart, south of town, who has been seriously ill for some time, is no better.
Grandma Thompson, of Shelbyville, is spending the week here with her son, O. M. Thompson.
Reports say that Sink Ensminger will soon lead to the altar a good looking widow west of town.
The hog cholera is still raging this vicinity and the prospects for fresh pork are not very bright.
Miss Maggie Holmes and Mrs. George Gillespie, attendants at the insane asylum at Indianapolis, spent Sunday with B. W. Bass.
Levi Griner, of the 16th Regulars, arrived home last week from Huntsville, Alabama. Levi was with his regiment at Santiaga and can tell some thrilling stories about the memorable campaign.
William Totten, Jr., of Indianapolis, will in the near future move to his farm south of town. Mr. Totten has formerly been connected with is brother in the stock yards, but has reached the conclusion that he would rather be a farmer.
Our young friend, Dr. Sherfee, although anew man here, is building up quite an extensive practice, which every one thinks he justly deserves, as the Dr. is a nice genial gentleman and as a physician he is strictly up to date in every particular.
Rev. Jackson, a Christian minister from Pinhook, having received an appointment to preach for a church below New Albany, departed with his family for that place Monday. Andy Mann will have charge of Mr. Jackson's farm during his absence.
O. M. Thompson, owner of the celebrated coach horse, held a coach colt show at Urmerville in Johnson county, Saturday, the prize for the best colt being $10, with Frank Mann, of London, as judge. There were quite a number of colts there from Franklin and Morristown and other pints in the two counties. Charley Atwood, of Johnson, carried off the prize. Persons who attended the show say it was without doubt the best lot of colts ever grouped together at one time in the county.
OLD ZIP.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming.

The Shelbyville Republican
July 10, 1896
-----------------------
FAIRLAND.
----------
Mrs. Perry is visiting her son at Needham, in Johnson county.
Mrs. Columbus, of Indianapolis, visited friends here the past week.
Wm. Campbell is the happy possessor of a new nine-pound girl baby.
Mr. and Mrs. Pell returned a few days ago from an extended visit to St. Paul.
Armer Giltner and wife, of Greenwood, visited here the past week.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
July 18, 1895
FAIRLAND.
-------
Special Correspondence to the Democrat.
FAIRLAND, Ind., July 15, 1895.
Miss Daisy Barngrover is visiting friends in Indianapolis.
Mr. Charles Carey, who has been quite ill for the past week, is convalescent.
Miss Bertie Osborne is now conveying herself from place to place by means of a "Hack."
Mr. and Mrs. William Walker, of Rising Sun, parents of Mrs. Robert McCollum, have become residents of our village.
Mrs. William Crum obituary
Our enterprising milliner, Miss June Marker, has moved her place of business to the house formally occupied by Shultz & Co. opposite the Big Four depot. She is a young lady of rare talent and business capabilities and always greets her many customers with a smiling face.
VENUS.
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BY ANOTHER CORRESPONDENT. 'Ras Carson is able to be out again.
F. B. Maze, proprietor of the Park hotel, has opened an ice cream parlor.
Ola and Clara Billman, of Shelbyville, have been spending a week with their cousin, Harry Thompson.
S. S. Skillman presented his daughter, Miss Bertha, a very handsome safety, on her thirteenth birthday.
Frank Ewing, of Center, is learning the barber trade here, under J. S. Pell. Frank is an interprising young man.
Mr. W. H. Schultz, the jeweler, and wife, left this morning for Louisville, Ky., where they will make their future home.
It is an incorrect statement about Oren Crum, of London, learning the millinery trade here. He has decided to study medicine, and affix M.D. after his name.
TEXAS BANDANA.

-------------------

AGLOW,
----------
Was Fairland, With A Christian Spirit Last Sunday,
----------
Special Correspondence to the Democrat.
Fairland, Ind., July 15, 1895.
----------
Sunday was a day to be remembered at Fairland. It was the day set for the joint Sunday School Institute of Brandywine and Sugar Creek townships, and notwithstanding the threat of Hermes, the affair was a grand success in every feature. Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist and Christian, mingled together alike, and truly it might be said that the home of "God" was aglow with a christian spirit. The Institute was held in the elegant Grace M.E. Church, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. The work was divided into three sessions, morning, afternoon and evening. The morning sessions opened with a well filled house, promptly at 9:30 a.m., with a recital of the regular Sunday School lesson for the day. Then followed brief, but well pointed addresses by E. O. Smith, William Campbell, Rev. Bevington, J. R. Tomlinson, F. T. Hack and others. When the noon hour arrived, the good people of the town threw open their doors and showed their hospitality by entertaining many of the scores of visitors. The afternoon session opened at 1:30 p.m. Mrs. J. E. West, W. H. Harrell, L. E. Ross, E. V. Riddlen, Robert Campbell and many others too numerous to mention, entertained the audience with well chosen subjects. At the evening session the spacious church was densely packed, only the more fortunate ones obtaining seats. The speakers for the evening were: Mrs. McBeth, O. S. Hack, Rev. Cohagen and Trustee Fields. The music for the occasion was furnished by the Boggstown Cornet Band, under the management of Trustee elect E. H. Lee. These institutes should be held oftener as they produce good results. They bring the various denominations into closer relation and have a tendency toward break- ....
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
December 15, 1892
Page 2
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FAIRLAND.
----------
Special Correspondence to the Democrat.
Saints' Rest, Ind., Dec. 14, 1892.
Miss Cora Keith, John Farley and F. R. Romeril are on the sick list.
"The soul is immortal and will never die," neither will the weather prophet.
Miss Sue Ray is quite ill at the Park Hotel. It is hoped she may speedily recover.
Wes Powers has an antiquated office fixture to sell or lease. Call at once. Terms -- your own.
Dr. Frank Ray, of the medical staff of the Central Hospital for the insane, called on his relatives and friends here Sunday.
John K. Smith says he "will reduce his stock of merchandise, close out his business, rest from his labors and seek quietude in his old age."
The M. E. Church meetings continue with unabated interest. The church is greatly revived under the leader of Rev. Cohagen and bade fair to be a successful meeting down to its close.
J. R. Plymate is contemplating another addition to our town. Mr. P. is a public-spirited gentleman and has done much to add to the growth an prosperity of Fairland. Do it some more, Joe.
The G. A. R. Post of this place will give an old fashioned bean supper next Friday night, regular army style. Hard tack and "sowbelley" will be there. Everybody come and let's have a good time.
Since we have been permitted to take our drinks to less quantities than a quart, our citizens are pulling up their driven wills, and selling them for old iron. Water, however, is still used in thinning milk and laundry purposes.
Several weddings will occur here about the holidays. This is right and is a verification of scripture. Go on, young men, and old ones, too. But avoid "grass widows and chronic old maids." You have my congratulations in advance, for I feel like it myself at times.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Republican
Shelbyville, Ind., Thursday, January 5, 1888
VOLUME XXII
Page 1
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NEWS NUGGETS
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PICKED UP IN VARIOUS FIELDS
------
Local Gossip and Pleasant Views From all Over "Old Shelby."
------
Result of One Week's Happenings Gathered for the Republican by Its Busy Correspondents.
---------------
Fairland
------
Jacob Ray spent the Sabbath here.
Mr. Willard Fields spent the holidays here.
Charles Neal spent New Year's here with his sister.
Lewis Hoop put up ice for his summer use last Friday.
J. W. Parkhurst was at Indianapolis on business last Friday.
A dance was held at Frank Alexander's one night last week.
The revival meeting here at the M.E. church is well attended.
Nathaniel Poland went to Ohio last Thursday on legal business.
Prayer meetings will be held here at the Baptist on Sunday mornings.
Henry Wier and wife spent New Year's in our town with Mrs. Bradley.
James Ross, who is attending school at Terre Haute spent New Year's here.
Bert Springer, who has been at Louisville, returned to his home here last week.
Elias Morgan spent the latter part of last week with relatives in Jennings county.
Ossa [?] Tull went to Kansas last week and will spend the remainder of the winter there.
The show which exhibited here last Friday night was well serenaded with fire-crackers by our "cheese club."
Our home talent dramatic club delivered their pay the "Danger Signal" at the Baptist church last Saturday night. It was a grand success in every respect and was well attended. By request it will be repeated one night this week.
TRIXY.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Daily Evening Democrat
---------------------------------------
W. S. RAY --- Editor and Proprietor
===================
Tuesday, January 20, 1885
===================
" G I D "
---------------
Our Lively Fairland Correspondent,
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Picks Up His Pencil in the Interest of
Our Readers--Death's Doings About
Fairland -- Personal Mention Made of
Prominent People--A Dig at Grant Un-
der the Fifth Rib--"Gid's" Opinion of a
Man Who Goes Back on His Friends.
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Special Correspondence of the Democrat.
FAIRLAND, IND., Jan. 19, 1885.
------
---Dan. Francis is now proprietor of the hotel saloon.
---Mrs. Obadiah Nail, of this township, is dangerously sick.
---Mrs. Watts, widow of the late Morgan Watts, is seriously ill.
---Henry Tucker will soon remove to the farm of Wesley Wanee.
---Mrs. Emma Cornelius, is visiting her sister, Mrs. Frank Howe, at Brandy's.
---Wes. Powers says "he and family have to go out doors when it rains to keep from getting wet."
---G. S. Harrell shipped several carloads of corn last week, for which he paid thrity-five cents per bushel.
---Jo Smith and Benj. Miller are negotiating the sale of their property here with the intention of going West.
---Dan. Barngrover is refitting the "old red saloon" buiding, and will convert the same into a comfortable dwelling.
---Rev. Buchanan has resigned the pastorate of the Baptist Church here. I understand the vacancy will soon be supplied.
---John Teeple claims to have shipped the finest and best hogshead of tobacco raised in this community this last season.
---Ab Fields has purchased of Mrs. Wharton the old family horse, "Mike," formerly owned by the late Isaac Odell, for $25
---Mr. J. W. Parkhurst and B. W. Bass and Miss Nannie Smith are each circulating petitions for the appointment.
---Tommy Totten and his estimable lady have gone to housekeeping. Tom takes to double blessedness as naturally as a duck does to water.
---Mrs. Sarah L. Wagner, of Cincinnati, was present at the funeral services of her mother, [the article continues but my copy ends here.]
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
May 8, 1879
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MANILLA.
(Special Correspondence of the Democrat.)
Marion, Ind., May 7, 1879
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As THE DEMOCRAT is read by everybody in this locality who can read I ... to write you an account of the ... of one of our landladies and her tenant that your readers may know how ... under the guise of law. The point I propose to write about is one of possession in a ... If the law tolerates such an outrage I want to move to some other State where courts have a higher regard for individual rights and a keener sense of wrong and outrage. On the first of March, 187?, Capt. Endsley leased of Mrs. S. J. Lewis a house situated here in town for which he paid rent monthly up to March 1, 1879. St that time he refused to pay rent any longer to his landlady, giving her notice that he had purchased or leased the same from Wm. Judkins, of Indianapolis, whereupon Mrs. Lewis brought suit for possession and damages. As the time fixed for trial the parties appeared, Messrs Glessner and Odell appearing as attorneys for the plaintiff and James B. McFadden for the defendant. It appearing to Mr. McFadden that his client had no case he agreed with the plaintiff's attorneys to give them judgment for possession and $4.00 damages for the detention of the same, and at the same time it was agreed by said attorney that no writ of restitution should be issued until the expiration of ten days therefrom in order to give the Captain an opportunity to ... another house. One the tenth day at daybreak the Captain had his household effects loaded on wagons standing in front of the house. He then took the key of the premises to Mrs. Lewis, who was not yet up. She, however, on being called, got up and came out to see what was wanted. The Captain informed her that he had removed his goods from her premises and handed her the key. He then returned and unloaded his goods, placing them back in the house. An hour later, when she went over to take possession, imagine her surprise at finding Endsley still there. She then called upon the justice for a writ of restitution which was issued and placed in the hands of Constable J. B. Harrell who proceeded to execute the same; but was met in the front yard by the Captain, who said that he would kill the first mand who went into the house. He had all the doors barred from within. The officer went away without doing anything, but has made two or three efforts since, each time receiving the same kind of treatment as at first. Property owners would do well to know who they rent their houses to if such things are tolerated.
JUSTICE.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
March 5, 1879
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News and Gossip Picked Up on the Fly,
By Our Vigilant Reporters.
-----0-----
ALL ALONG THE WAY
----0----
Fairland.
(Specially Reported for The Democrat.)

Fairland, Ind., March 1, 1879.
---Mr. Dickens, Mrs. Irena Reed, Miss Phebe Cherry, and Mrs. Roberts, are on the sick list.
---Mrs. Nerve Porter, who has been very sick with lung fever for two weeks past, is able to be out again.
---Miss Nannie Dodd and Miss Sallie Bradley, of Indianapolis, have been visiting friends and relatives here, for a week past.
The oyster supper given at Mrs. Lewis Ray's, Saturday night, was enjoyed very much by those present. The band made sweet music -- music that would do credit to any city.
---"Peter Pindar," the Fairland correspondent, wanted to know if "Grandma" was pouting, and if that was the reason she remained silent. No, not pouting, only resting; besides, there was some one else writing, and I think one corresondent from any small place is enough.
---I agree with "Sigourney" -- I don't like to have my sex spoken of disparagingly, be it ever so little. Now, "Sigourney," be present at the next correspondents' meeting, and bring with you that "love of a bonnet" that you are to wager, and I will be there and wager my false teeth that "Brutus," the wicked Fountaintown correspondent, is another gent, that has no little darling spouse at home to dose him with soothing syrups. Now, I don't wish to quarrel with our editors or correspondents, but they must except some women -- they don't all "let the cat out of the bag" using their sentence "woman-like."
GRANDMA.

(From Another Correspondent.)

Fairland, Ind., March 5, 1879.
---O. T. Johnston was in town last Sunday.
---I am happy to learn that all of 'Squire Carson's family are now well.
---Joseph Plymate, it is said, intends opening a harness shop in the rear end of Lou Francis' store. The post office will also be moved there.
---Mr. L. R. Jackson, the bee man, intends soon to move on a farm and engage in bee culture. He has manufactured twenty-five bee hives for that purpose.
---Our thriving town has but one constable, a faithful and efficient officer, who attends to business and finishes it on short notice, and it is worthy of remark that it requires nine J.P.'s, besides our friend Wm. L. Smith, to keep him busy.
---Mr. James Ray, our School Trustee, will soon depart for Indianapolis to take charge of a stock of groceries. I am very sorry to hear of this, as, in losing friend James, we lose a gentleman of worth, a faithful and efficient Trustee, and a man whom the whole community respects.
---I understand that the turkey stolen from the editor of the Bulletin has been returned, in accordance with the numerous requests published in that paper, but its life has gone where the "woodbine twineth." It is thought it died from a prolonged effort to understand that continued story of prison life.
---I had the pleasure of visiting the model school conducted by Mr. Wm. F. Bybee, at the school house in District No. 6, Brandywine .... [The article continues.-PMF]
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
March 25, 1875
Page 2
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FROM FAIRLAND.
Inasmuch as Friarland [sic], thought a 'burg' of some note, has not yet figured in the item department of the Republican, we have thought that a few "occasional" pen jottings from here may prove interesting to some and hurt nobody inparticular. Fairland situated as it is at junction of two railroads, the I.C.& L., and the M.& C., should be quite a business point, and in the future when its advantages shall be more fully appreciated it doubtless may. At any rate, like Wilkins Micawber its citizens are continually looking for something to "turn up" and if vigorous wishing can accomplished [sic] the object you may rest assured it will be done.
Drs. Stewart, Mitchel and Laycock are the only M.D.'s who have 'a local habitation and a name' in this suburb at present, say that the health indications are more favorable than they were some time ago. This, as a sanitary item, is very encouraging.
It is often a wonder to strangers, why Fairland embracing within its limits so many good looking young ladies has so few weddings. There are many perplexing problems afloat in the world awaiting a solution, and we suppose this is one of them.
Geo. H. Cullumber, the new post master, is at his post dispensing the missives which arrive daily in Uncle Sam's carpet bags, ever and anon looking over the apex of his spectacles with a benignant smile which resembles a ray of sunshine gleaming on an iceberg. George also keeps a "hash-house" which is well sustained by the traveling community.
The spelling mania, whose tidal-wave has reached other places, has not yet manifested itself here. If there should be a spell we will advise you of its approach. They afford such good reading matter; and then, they are so unique and origional [sic] it is a wonder the papers don't pay a high price for a detailed account of the proceedings.
W. W. Jones the enterprising furniture dealer, has just received a new invoice of goods in his line. His business is steadily increasing, a verification of the proverb that pluck energy will win. He also gives his attention to undertaking in all its branches. As a workist and a workman he is said to excell.
The M. E. Church has for some time been without a regular pastor here. Dr. McCoy, of Indianapolis, occasionally dispenses the word of life, and his efforts in keeping the flock together are highly appreciated. The Sunday School still preserves the even tenor of its way, and the melodious voice of one Ray, loudly leads the singing on that day.
The life insurance and lightning rod men have not yet arrived in town. Sewing machine agents appear occasionally.
Jack Ross, who closed his term as teacher in the Fairland school last week, has gone west "to grow up with the country. He was a very clever gentleman, and his hurried departure has awakened many regrets. We wish him success in his adventures "towards the region of the setting sun," whether matrimonial or otherwise.
The ice bound waters of Brandywine and big Sugar admonish the boys that Winter is still snoozing in the lap of Spring; and old probability says it will be some time before they can "snake" the cat-fish and sun-fish out of their favorite retreats in those classic streams. In the mean time the boys should go to school, and wait patiently for the "general thaw" to make its appearance.
More next time.
OCCASIONAL.
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming

1868 Fairland Directory, USGenWeb Archives

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